Sometime later, Briar and the others, including Ace and Deuce, arrive at the Mirror Chamber. Upon arrival, they've already seen so many students using it to get back to their homes.
"Wow, it's already packed with students going home," Deuce says, surprised
"Hah, they all look so antsy," Ace says.
He looks around and wonders, "Now then, where's that headmage?"
Briar and the others look around to find Dire Crowley.
"I don't see him," Sereia says.
Briar soon notices him, "I see him."
And right on cue, Crowley announces, "All right, everyone. Announce your destination to the Dark Mirror and keep a tight hold on your belongings. If you let go for any reason while in transit, your luggage will get spirited away elsewhere. If you have any possessions you absolutely cannot afford to risk losing, send them by post from the school store."
The boys of Briar's group exclaim in shock, "He's in total party mode!"
"Wearing an aloha shirt in the middle of winter?! He's obviously ready to go on a tropical vacation!" Ace says, shocked.
"He's not even trying to hide it," Deuce replies, dumbfounded.
"Well, even teachers like to enjoy a vacation," Briar says.
Sereia and Trinket giggle in reply.
"He has to be the weirdest teacher I've met," Jasper says.
Tanzanite giggles and says, "I have to admit, he is a strange one."
Just then, Grim calls out, "Hey, Headmage! We gotta talk!"
Crowley turns to see Briar and the others and says, "Why, hello. What brings your merry little band here?"
"Well, we actually have a few things to ask about. Since the school is going to be closed for winter break, we like to ask about the food situations," Briar says.
"Yeah. We'll be here for the break and we need to keep ourselves fed," Jasper says.
Crowley soon realizes, "Ah... Ahhh! Ahhh, yes! Of course I've planned for it! What kind of headmage would I be otherwise? Why, I was just about to make arrangements online to have food delivered to you!"
"In other words, you were gonna leave us to starve," Grim says, angrily and not buying it, "I'm guessin' you ain't even tryin' to find a way home for Briar, either."
How rude. I most certainly am. In fact, I'll be spending the winter break expanding my investigation area to a tropical land I've never visited before. That's how deeply my diligent streak runs," Crowley says, feeling offended.
"You don't look dressed for an investigation to me," Ace says.
"No kidding. You look like you're ready for vacation," Jasper says.
"What they said! You look ready to go soak up the sun!" Grim says.
Crowley feels offended, "How could you suggest that? I've only clad myself in appropriate attire for my venture. When in a foreign land, do as the locals do. Escaping winter's frigid bite to kick back in a hammock and sip coconut juice while gazing at the tranquil ocean waves... I have NO such refined and indulgent vacation plans whatsoever, I assure you."
"What an incredibly specific denial..." Deuce replies.
Briar rolls her eyes, "I couldn't agree with you more.
Grim angrily says, "It ain't fair for you to have all the fun! I wanna go on a tropical vacation too. Take us with you!"
"Grim, we didn't say we tag along with him," Briar sternly says.
"What? But that would spoil my delightful getaway from—ah, ahem!" Crowley says, but quickly says, "This investigation will be dangerous. Yes, very dangerous. Best that I handle it alone. Besides, I'd much prefer if you stayed on campus. I have a critical job for you, as a matter of fact. It's so critical, the very survival of Night Raven College hinges upon it."
"What kind of job?" Briar asks.
Ahem. The fires in our campus cafeteria and fireplaces are all furnished via fire fairy magic. They've lived in the cafeteria fireplace for many years... But if we don't supply them with dry firewood every day, they will fade away. Should the fire fairies disappear, our whole campus would be gripped with cold every winter," Crowley explains.
"You know, I've wondered how the school stays so warm without central air," Deuce replies.
"So it was magic. Kinda obvious in hindsight," Ace says.
Then Crowley says, "Normally, our kitchen ghost takes over fire duty during extended school breaks... But this year, his daughter had a baby, so he's visiting the netherworld to see his first grandchild. Thus, I would like you two to handle things in his absence. Should you take on this job, your holiday provisions will be provided in full. I'll even arrange for a holiday turkey, pie, a ham as big as your head... In fact, I'll throw in some piping hot spare ribs and mashed potatoes to sweeten—er, salt?—the deal. What do you say?
"Mrah! Sounds like a one-way ticket to a food coma!" Grim replies, shocked.
And huffs, "H-hmph. I guess I'll hear you out, at least."
"Dude, you are a born sucker," Ace says.
"Ghosts can have grandchildren?" Sereia says, confused.
Crowley says to Sereia, "Look, it was a miracle of love, okay? Don't sweat the details."
Then turns to Briar, "More to the point, someone needs to handle fire duty if you want to stay warm over the holidays. Just by throwing firewood into the fireplace every day, you'll stay both warm AND well-fed. That is, as we say, two birds with one stone. Oh, what a generous deal!"
"Y'know, this does sound like kind of a gimme compared to the usual messes you dump in our laps," Grim replies.
"Doesn't it, though? You would be surprised at just how kind I can be," Crowley says.
"Well, that sounds simple enough, we'll make sure to get everything taken care of while we're gone," Briar says.
"Good to hear," Crowley says.
He then remembers, "Oh yes, and since I'll be out for a while, I'd like to give this to you."
Crowley then hands Briar what looks like a smartphone.
"Ooh, a smartphone?" Ace replies, taking an interest.
Then Crowley explains, "You can use this to call me in the event of any emergency. It is to be used ONLY for emergencies, mind you. Do try not to burn through its data cap browsing Magicam or the like. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have many students to transport home to their families. I'll leave the rest in your capable hands. Ah, I'd better make certain to peruse some tourist pamphlets before I set out. Goodness gracious, I'm so very busy..."
"We will. Take care," Briar says.
Crowley nods his head and walks off.
Grim smiles and says, "Myah ha ha! Now I get to chow down on a fancy feast over the holidays!
"I still get the feeling you just took a sucker's deal, but hey, whatever floats your boat," Ace says.
Briar giggles and says, "Grim will do anything when food's involved.
Suddenly, the group hears Ruggie's voice, "Hey, guys! You can stop standing in the middle of the hall and blocking traffic now!"
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Wonderland Book 4: Schemer of the Scalding Sands
FanfictionWinter Break has arrived, and Briar and her friends are staying at campus for the time being. However, their break has cut short when Jamil from Scarabia Dorm ask for their help with their housewarden, Kalim. Upon arrived, they are forbidden to leav...
